Dorsey, John, Honorable,Balto. Co.,26th Nov., 1714;
22nd Mch., 1714-15.
To wife Pleasance, 1/3 of estate, real and personal, she to make choice of plantation ––, on South R., or dwelling plantation ––, on Elk Ridge.
To grandson John, son of son Edward, deceased, and his hrs., the Patuxent plantation “Dorsey's Search,” in Balto. Co.; he dying without issue, to pass to grandson Edward, son of son Edward, and he dying without issue, to 3 young. child., ––, of dau. Deborah Clegat.
To grandson Edward afsd., and hrs., plantation “Dorsey's Adventure” on Elk Ridge, Balto. Co., also “Whiteaker's Purchase,” bought of James Barley; He dying without issue, sd. land to pass to grandson John afsd. and hrs., and then to child. of dau. Deborah as afsd.
To grandsons Charles and Wm. Ridgley, sons of dau. Deborah, equally, and their hrs., “White Wine and Claret,” on s. side Patuxent R., in Balto Co.; they dying without issue, sd. tract to pass to Martha, Elinor and Edward Clegatt, child. of dau. Deborah, and hrs.
To grandsons Sam'll and Rich'd Dorsey, sons of son Caleb, and hrs., plantation “South River Quarter,” being residue of a tract given by deed of gift to son Caleb. Sd. land to be in possession of wife during life as afsd. should she so select; and should grandsons afsd. die without issue, to pass to granddaus. Acksah and Sophia and their hrs.
To grandson Bazill and hrs., son of son Caleb, plantation “Troy,” in Balto. Co.; he dying without issue, to pass to grandsons Jno. and Caleb Dorsey, sons of son Caleb afsd.
To grandson John, son of Edward, deceased, personalty, to be held by his mother, ––, until he is 21 yrs. of age; and to grandchild. Charles, Ridgely, 2nd son of dau. Deborah, and other grandchild. afsd., personalty. Boys to receive their estate at 21 yrs.
To dau. Deborah Clegatt, personalty.
Son Caleb, ex. and residuary legatee of estate.
Test: Joseph Howard, Thos. Higgens, Sam'll Dorsey, Thos. Rogers, Jno. Beale, Vachell Denton. 14. 26.

In 1694, along with Major John Hammond, Col. Edward Dorsey, Captain Philip Howard, Major Nicholas Greenbury and John Bennett, he was on a committee to lay out a town common and streets for the town of Annapolis, then to be called Proctor.

In 1692 and 1693 he served as a member of the Lower House of the Assembly; appointed Justice of Anne Arundel Co., in 1694 and 1696; Capt. of Baltimore Co. Militia in 1696; member of the Upper House, 1700; member of the Lower House, 1701-1704; Member of the Upper House, 1711-1715., , see also . [1, 2, 4, 6]

Immigration

Abt 1660

England

Military Note

In 1696 he was listed both as a military and civil officer of the county with the rank of Captain. [4]